Egremont near Liverpool

To Henry Fox Talbot Esq^e

Sir,

Some time ago I wrote you a few lines respecting Gelatine in connexion with Iodide of Silver Since then I have tried frequently with variable success. A method occurred to me some time ago, which promised much. As it is not complete, I will describe it as shortly as I can. I precipitated on Glass by Sir J. Herschel’s plan, iodide of silver. Then poured over it a weak solution of Gutta percha in Turpentine and allowed it to dry – Afterwards washing it with Nitrate of Silver, I obtained a good image, but a better one when a little organic matter was mixed with it. The best I obtained was with a little Oil of Cloves in the solution. It still strikes me that in good hands this would answer well –

I am, Sir Yours mo^t respectfully
A. M^cFarlane.

P. S. My engagements in these short days will not allow me time for a continued experiment. Could not Gutta percha be adapted to this purpose in other ways